Oakley out for season
Monday, November 17, 2003
Article summary
Southampton FC's Matthew Oakley will miss the rest of the season after learning he needs major knee surgery.
Article body
Reconstructive surgery
The 26-year-old, who has made over 200 appearances for the Premiership club, has been out of action since the end of September. However, his hopes of a quick return have been scuppered by the news he requires a reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee.
'Desperately disappointing'
"It is desperately disappointing for him and for us, but it is a straightforward operation and he should make a full recovery," said Southampton physio Jim Joyce.
European blow
Oakley's absence will be a blow to Southampton's chances of securing a European place for a second successive season. The south-coast team are currently ninth in the Premiership with 17 points from 12 games. They were knocked out of the UEFA Cup in the first round by FC Steaua Bucuresti.
